Research and experiments are the foundations of Sagnlandet Lejre. They are the basis upon which our work with presentation, school education and instruction is built and through archaeological experiments we continually contribute new knowledge of the past.

Archaeological finds constitute only a fraction of what our forefathers surrounded themselves with. Much has only partially been preserved or is very hard to explain. Experimental archaeology is a scientific method which through the active use of experiment contributes new explanations and interpretations of archaeological finds.

At Sagnlandet Lejre we work with three categories of experiments:

Experiments that deal with ancient technology, where objects or work processes are reconstructed and analysed – for example experiments with the production of certain tools.

Experiments that deal with the living conditions of the past and the effect on nature that these might have had, for example investigation of indoor environments and methods of cultivation.

Experiments that deal with archaeological method and the origin of source materials found- for example experiments on how and how quickly different materials decompose or are altered when they have been buried in the ground.

Sagnlandet Lejre annually gives grants totalling DKK 150,000 for the support of a series of archaeological experiments and projects at the centre. As a guest you can therefore meet researchers and craftsmen from Denmark and abroad working on such projects.

Watch the video of the visionary experiment, where a 1:1 scale-reconstruction of an Iron Age house was sat on fire! To order the book send email to kontakt@lejre-center.dk, or call +45 46480878. The book is is also available over the counter in our shop.